Skilled Welders Research Articles

THE EFFICIENCY OF UPSKILLING GRADUATE DIPLOMA STUDENTS AT MALAYSIAN VOCATIONAL COLLEGES IN 3G SMAW WELDING WORK – A CASE STUDY

This article examines the effectiveness of upskilling initiatives for Graduate Diploma students in vocational colleges in Malaysia. Thirty Kolej Vokasional Tanjung Piai graduates who took a 3G SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) course at CIDB Technologies Sdn Bhd, Johor are the focus of this case study. In a rapidly evolving industrial setting, the study aims to assess the degree to which the upskilling program enhanced the participants' overall employability and welding skills. Survey data showed that participants were satisfied with the upskilling program's content, emphasizing how applicable it was to their professional growth and the useful skills they had learned. Additionally, participants offered insightful comments that suggested a number of improvements to boost the training's efficacy, including greater practical experience, easier access to contemporary equipment, and more thorough safety instruction. The results highlight how crucial it is for vocational education programs to be continuously improved in order to satisfy industry expectations and give graduates employable skills.

Pengembangan Keterampilan Las Listrik SMAW Pada Siswa Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan (SMK) Di Workshop Politeknik Penerbangan Surabaya

This study aims to achieve several results that contribute to improving the community's ability regarding welding techniques that are currently in great demand by various industries. The method used is a qualitative method with observation used to understand in depth how SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) electric welding skills are developed in vocational high school students. The sample in this study was the Community Service Activity Implementation Team for the Development of SMAW Electric Welding Skills for Vocational High School (SMK) Students at the Surabaya Aviation Polytechnic Workshop in the 2024 Fiscal Year consisting of 16 people, the results of the study showed that the Development of SMAW Electric Welding Skills has improved the abilities of students of SMK Penerbangan AAG Yogyakarta, SMK Penerbangan Angkasa Lanud Iswahjudi Magetan, SMK Penerbangan Angkasa Malang, even providing new experiences for students from the Computer and Network Engineering department. Based on the results of the activity, the participants showed significant progress in knowledge and skills. Increasing knowledge and skills through the approach of educational materials and technical training provided, participants in this activity have learned the benefits, placement, procedures and how to use SMAW Electric welding correctly and safely. Almost all participants of this activity agreed that SMAW Electric Welding can help improve skills both in education and industry. Empowerment of Aviation Vocational School students in developing SMAW Electric Welding skills is expected to be applied in various industrial fields by providing several examples of how to use SMAW Electric Welding.

PEMBINAAN REMAJA KARANG TARUNA DESA MEDALKRISNA MELALUI PELATIHAN PENGELASAN SMAW DI KECAMATAN BOJONGMANGU

The problems faced by the youth organization of Medalkrisna village include activities held by the youth organization that have not yet increased the skills or skills of its members, there is no business opportunity that will be run as a source of activities and management of the youth organization. One of the welding methods is SMAW (Shield Metal Arc Welding) welding, which is welding using electric electrodes. The purpose of this activity is of course to increase knowledge and skills to youth coral cadets of Medalkrisna Village, Bojongmangu District, adding special skills in the form of welding expertise. The benefits of this training are of course providing knowledge and training welding skills which are certainly needed by youth youth to improve hard skills and soft skills so that they can be used for personal self-development and social benefits in society. Welding training is very much needed including entrepreneurship, industry and in projects. The success of this service activity has a good impact on helping the difficulties of youth organizations in the Medalkrisna Village area in an effort to increase their skills in the field of SMAW welding (Shield Metal Arc Welding).

Pelatihan Pipe Welder Kepada Karyawan PT. Perintis Makmur Indonesia Dengan Metode Pengelasan Shielded Metal Arc Welding

PT. Perintis Makmur Indonesia (PMKI) is a smelting company that plays an important role in workforce absorption in the Morowali area. In particular, the mechanical department, consisting of 18 employees, requires an upgrade in pipe welding skills using the SMAW welding method. This is due to the fact that the mechanics are currently only capable of performing plate-to-plate welding, whereas they are required to have pipe-to-pipe welding skills to support their work. To enhance its employees' competencies, particularly in pipe welding, PT PMKI collaborated with the Morowali Metal Industry Polytechnic to organize a Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) training program for its employees. The primary goal of this training was to improve the employees' skills in performing pipe welding safely and efficiently. The training methods included lectures, discussions, and hands-on practice in the workshop, along with evaluations through pre-tests and post-tests. A total of 18 mechanics participated in this five-day training. The materials covered welding safety, SMAW techniques, and defect handling in welding. The results showed a significant increase in participants' understanding and skills. The initial understanding level, as measured by the pre-test, was only 19.8%. After the training, participants' understanding increased to 93.2%, as indicated by the post-test results. This training successfully improved the employees' pipe welding competencies, which are crucial for supporting the company’s operations.

Assessing the Effects of Virtual Cue Implementation in Virtual Reality Welding Training

Incorporating virtual reality (VR) technology into training environments has proven effective because it allows training to remain safe, efficient, and meaningful. Welding training is no exception, with research exhibiting benefits such as decreased welder anxiety, increased cost- and time-efficiency, reduction in material usage, and advanced levels of skill acquisition. Our research aims to provide meaningful and experiential learning to beginner welders, equipping them with entry-level welding skills while identifying their professional development needs by employing various parameter cues using the Lincoln Electric VRTEX 360 Welding Simulator. This four-week study was completed at [STATE] University and replicated three times. Undergraduate (N=108) students enrolled in Introduction to Agricultural Engineering, randomized into one of three sequence training groups, served as our participants. All participants performed single-pass 2F welds using the Gas Metal Arc Welding process. On average, results indicate the most difficult parameter to master was Travel Speed, while the most straightforward parameter was Contact-to-Workpiece-Distance. Assessing the three sequence training groups individually, we find that the Travel Speed parameter is consistently the most difficult to master, however, as participant welding experience increased, so did their welding parameter scores.

Towards Improving Welding Skills: Creating Innovative Modules For Teaching SMAW Integrated 3D Animation

This research aims to develop teaching modules on welding techniques in vocational schools using the problem-based learning (PBL) model, a scientific learning approach, and an authentic assessment of welding competency using the manual arc welding or SMAW welding process. The development of teaching modules at vocational schools will improve the quality of the process and the quality of learning outcomes for SMAW welding engineering subjects at vocational schools. This research uses a development research method with a research design using design-based research (DBR), which refers to the instructional design model (IDM) development model design. The participants involved in this research were class XI vocational school students in East Java. The module validity test assessment results have an average score of 3.8 in the very valid category. The SMAW welding technique module that has been prepared can be used to implement SMAW welding technique learning at vocational schools. The teaching module evaluation stage results show an outstanding category, which means that the teaching module developed meets practical requirements. All students' average normalized gain score (<g>) was 0.72, included in the high improvement category. The results of observations of the implementation of the PBL model facilitated by teaching modules from two observers were analyzed using percentages of agreement (PA). The conclusion of the research shows that the teaching module developed is valid, practical, and effective.

Integrating virtual reality technology into beginning welder training sequences

Virtual reality (VR) technology is an advanced modern resource commonly integrated into various forms of training. VR training simulations are customizable in that quality-grading parameter settings, physical environment, and user capacity can be modified to personal or professional preference. In this study, VR technology training practices are utilized to enact meaningful learning. Meaningful learning is achieved by providing visual and audial cues within the virtual training environment, weld performance skill development, and adequate skill practice time over a four-week span. This method of practice will reflect a new training style where beginning welders receive personalized feedback from both the VRTEX 360 virtual reality welding simulator and welding instructor. This training method benefits learners by expediting and enhancing their skill acquisition, adjusting their performance according to the various feedback they receive, and thereby experiencing meaningful learning. Results indicate that with each round of VR welding training participants’ test weld scores continuously increased, as well as consistently scoring 80% and higher. This enhanced performance of beginning welders implies VR welding training can effectively aid in developing complex welding skills. We recommend that future research investigate the effectiveness of parameter cues and total cost-savings of integrated VR technology into welding training methods.

Welding training to enhance welding skills for youth in Cilegon City

Welding training to enhance welding skills for youth in Cilegon City

Research and Development and Practical Application of Welding Skill Transfer Methods

Research and Development and Practical Application of Welding Skill Transfer Methods

Virtual reality in welding training and education: A literature review

The welding workforce is facing a deficit of skilled welders, highlighting the need to develop more efficient and effective welding training methods. Virtual reality (VR) technologies have been adopted to create VR welding simulations for educational and training purposes. The purpose of this literature review was to collect and analyze peer-reviewed research, published between 2012-2022, regarding VR technology applications in welding training. The concept of Engagement in Blended Learning Environments served as our research framework. In the context of welding, VR welding training is a relatively new approach that functions as a blended learning environment. During data collection, we identified 31 articles; however, following analysis and coding, 13 were excluded, for a final N=18. Through a process of triangulation, we identified themes across existing research to highlight trends, recommendations for real-world welding practice, and recommendations for future research. Four main research themes emerged from the literature: 1. Comparison of Approaches, 2. VR as a Teaching Tool, 3. System Development, and 4. System Testing. Six future research recommendations were identified and grouped, including the recommendation to compare virtual weld performances to live weld performances. Four practitioner-based recommendation themes were identified, including the recommendation for instructors to develop their own knowledge and skills related to VR welding technology. From this review, we identified gaps in the existing literature and made recommendations for future research on VR welding training.

Online monitoring and penetration recognition in all-position TIG welding of nuclear power pipeline

In the construction of a nuclear island, a nuclear power pipeline is the “aorta” of the nuclear power plant, which performs the critical role of a nuclear safety protection barrier. By automating welding, nuclear power pipeline can maintain high quality and reduce the need for skilled welders. We developed an all-position TIG welding quality monitoring system to address the low internal forming quality assessment accuracy for nuclear power pipeline welding. An algorithm for data processing extracted the features of the pipeline groove, back molten pool, and solidified weld via sensors mounted on the internal crawler mechanism. Based on the process parameters collected during welding, a penetration state recognition model was constructed using a random forest. The results show that, compared with the decision tree and support vector machine, the random forest model has an accurate penetration recognition performance and can realize automatic assessment of pipeline welding quality.

Welding Instructors' Perspectives on Using AI Technology in Welding Training

ABSTRACTThe welding industry in the U.S. faces a serious shortage of skilled welders. The goal of this paper is to explore welding instructors' attitudes toward applications of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) as well as artificial intelligence (AI) in welding training. Such approaches could allow future welders to acquire welding skills faster and in a safer work environment. Also, the welding industry could attract a more diverse group of workers. This paper builds on previous literature and studies researching the use of AR, VR, and AI in welding and in other comparable industries. The paper reports findings from interviews with eight welding instructors at a community college to obtain insights regarding how they believe AR, VR, and AI could be used in welding training. The paper provides implications for using AR, VR, and AI to attract and retain the next generation of welders.

Pelatihan dan Pendampingan Teknik Pengelasan sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Kemampuan Praktik Siswa SMK Samudera Indonesia Medan

The purpose of this PkM is to provide training and assistance regarding basic welding techniques that are useful for increasing student competence in welding. This training and mentoring in welding techniques serves as a provision for students to enter the world of work and entrepreneurship for SMK graduates as well as assisting the productive process of SMK students who lack funds and practicum facilities to improve their competence in the field of welding. The method used to solve the problems that occur is to use the survey method at SMK to obtain PkM data as needed, formulate training materials, schedule time-related training implementations, arrange instructors who will provide training, make activity evaluation designs, carry out training and mentoring activities Welding techniques were attended by students of SMK Samudra Indonesia, welding teachers, students and lecturers of Mechanical Engineering at the Medan State Polytechnic. The results of the PkM implementation are as follows: Welding skills that can equip SMK students to enter the world of work are being able to operate a welding machine properly and being able to connect plates using welding. The responses from SMK students who took part in the training and assistance from the Medan State Polytechnic Mechanical Engineering Study Program were as follows: they were happy because they had acquired welding skills that they had not mastered to their full potential and the teachers hoped that next year they could continue with other programs.

PELATIHAN PENGGUNAAN MESIN LAS LISTRIK DI DESA KARANGPATRI

The availability of quality human resources is a major problem at this time, so that skilled workers are needed who have the knowledge and ability to handle welding. For this reason, training is needed for productive people in the field of welding techniques. This electric welding training activity was held in Karang Patri Village. Activities in the form of training for community participants and youth youth organizations aiming to provide knowledge and skills in welding techniques. Training is carried out by debriefing methods, demonstrations and exercises. The debriefing method is used to explain basic techniques and knowledge in electric welding. The demonstration method is used to demonstrate electric welding techniques according to procedures, while the training method is used to gather participants' abilities in welding techniques. The benefit of this service program is that it makes it easier to be able to build infrastructure with welding skills. With this training activity, it is possible to form a community that is skilled, creative, innovative and independent in the field of welding techniques and is able to carry out and develop skills independently

PELATIHAN DASAR PENGOPERASIAN MESIN LAS SMAW UNTUK REMAJA DAN KARANG TARUNA DI DUSUN WARSEM

The problem in this warsem hamlet is the lack of interest in welding, especially for teenagers, and the purpose of this training is to provide training to teenagers in warsem hamlet, because welding workshops are still rare in this hamlet. In this training the author provides hands-on training on how to weld to provide an introduction, and basic training on the operation of the SMAW Welding Machine for teenagers in Warsem Hamlet. The tool made by the participants in this training is a pole for the trash can. The method used is socialization and training. Based on the results of the service which shows a successful impact in the form of increasing technical skills in operating SMAW welding machines, with welding skills mastered by youth and youth members can take advantage of economic opportunities in working on small welding projects, repairs or even setting up a welding business.

A Study of Weld Seams on Low Carbon Steel ABS Grade a Marine Plates Using SMAW Process

Understanding the impact of welding parameters and welder skill on weld quality is crucial. However, it is the lack of comprehensive studies that consider the welding parameters and welder-introduced defects when analyzing the mechanical and metallurgical behaviors of low carbon steel welds using the SMAW process. The research aims to study and assess the impact of weld seams of low carbon steel ABS Grade A marine plate of 12.7mm thick using manual SMAW process as per AWS D1.1 structural welding code requirements and fulfilments of ASME Section IX pressurized equipment welding code requirements too. Different voltages, currents, and travel speeds were used to weld the test specimen plates. After the manual SMAW process, a series of testing techniques, including non-destructive tests, such as VT and RT, and destructive tests, such as tensile tests, bend tests, impact tests, microhardness tests, and metallographic examination has been conducted to assess/evaluate on the welded seam profiles and analyses/determines whether the accepted welded seam profiles have fulfilled the relevant welding code requirements. From the series of assessments and analyses, it is confirmed that the welded test specimen 1 having the welding parameters (i.e., voltage 23 V, current 70 A, and travel speeds 56.52 – 312.50 mm/min, having a range of heat inputs from 0.31kJ/mm to 1.71kJ/mm) is accepted as the quality good weld seam.

Welding a Beginner's Metal Box: Crafting Simplicity and Functionality

This study explores the transformative impact of hands-on learning in welding, focusing on the creation of a basic metal box as an introductory project for novice welders. The significance of starting with simple projects to foster skill development is examined, supported by the outcomes of the welding process. Challenges encountered during the project are discussed alongside their solutions, revealing the dynamic nature of practical problem-solving. The learning outcomes for beginner welders are analyzed, emphasizing improved welding skills and the acquisition of fundamental techniques. By addressing design choices and their influence on the final product, this study showcases the multifaceted nature of welding projects. Furthermore, the comparative advantages of hands-on learning over theoretical approaches are highlighted. Ultimately, this study underscores the value of simplicity as a conduit for building competence and confidence among novice welders, paving the way for a fulfilling journey into the world of welding

Welding Training Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) in Improving Welding Skills

The connection method using welding has advantages compared to other methods, including better connection efficiency, can be used in constructions that work at high temperatures, and the results are neater. The connection resulting from the welding process is permanent, and the process is faster. However, the quality of welding results is strongly influenced by the skill and ability to weld welder. Therefore, welding training is very important to improve skills, so welding training is held for the community in Laok Jang-Jang Village, Arjasa District, Sumenep Regency, East Java Province. This training includes providing material on Occupational Health Safety (K3), basic FCAW welding, and welding practices. The training results showed an increase in the skills of the trainees, as seen from the welding results, which had no defects. This shows that the trainees have applied the material provided before carrying out Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) welding processes.

Effectiveness of Online Pedagogy of welding Skills during the COVID-19 Period: A Systematic Review

Online learning was created as a result of the huge industry disruption that occurred in March of 2020. Online education presented unique difficulties for learning in an entirely virtual setting with a concentration on psychomotor skill development, calling into doubt its efficacy. Finding a practical replacement for lab-based hands-on activities and group or team-based learning experiences was extremely difficult for technology education. This study compares the COVID-19 time to the pre-COVID period to assess how effective online teaching and learning experiences were in technology-based education. Just 20 randomized controlled trial publications, out of which 15 studies were used in the meta-analysis, were included in the review after an electronic search of the literature. Using Review Manager 5.3 to examine the data, Cochrane’s 2 test and I2 were used to determine heterogeneity. The meta-analysis shows a very reliable sensitivity analysis and a substantial pooled effect size of (SMD = 4.49 @ 95%, CI = 2.37 – 3.63 @ p.00001) from the test scores in favor of the experimental group. The results of the included studies’ sub-item achievement test results reveal a statistically positive difference in every category of welding skill tested. Studies demonstrating the effectiveness of online pedagogy in the covid era are the source of the current statistics. These results point to the need for additional investigation into the development of psychomotor skills in other technology education courses.

Quenched and Tempered Steels Welded Structures: Modified Gas Metal Arc Welding-Pulse vs. Shielded Metal Arc Welding

Quench and tempered (Q&T) steels are widely used for a diverse range of applications, particularly in the mining and defence industry, where wear and unconventional loading are common. Furthermore, they are particularly prone to hydrogen assisted cold cracking (HACC), imposing a more careful selection of consumables and requiring a comparably higher welder skill level to fabricate defect-free structures. Therefore, the cost of fabrication of welded structures is higher when the more preferred welding technique of shielded metal arc welding, SMAW, is employed. The introduction of the modified pulsed arc mode of depositions, a variation to pulsed arc deposition, has improved the productivity rates and can be utilised by welders with a greater skill variations. In this study, full-strength butt welds of Q&T steel (AS/NZS 3597 Grade 700), with the thickness of 20 mm, are fabricated under a high level of restraint using both conventional SMAW and modified pulse gas metal welding (GMAW-P). The study investigated the economic feasibility of the two deposition modes and the propensity to cracking for the welded joints under high restraint conditions. Utilising the modified GMAW-P resulted in 63% and 88% reduction in the ‘Arc-On’ time and the total normalised fabrication time, respectively. However, strict controls must be implemented, due to the increased propensity to lack of fusion-type defects, to optimise the welding procedure and mediate for such defects if GMAW-P is to provide a techno-economically beneficial alternative to conventional SMAW when welding Q&T steels.